213311 Pte. Arthur Harris British Army 2nd Battalion, D Coy Royal Scots Fusilliers from:Rotherham Arthur Harris joined 8th/9th Service Battalion, York and Lancs Regiment in 1914 – Regimental Number. 14432. His medal record card shows he entered the "Flanders Theatre of War" on 27th August 1915. This is the date of his arrival in Boulogne as part of the 8th and 9th Service Battalion of the Y&L's to join the 23rd Division, a division of the the so-called "New Army".
In 1916 (probably July) he was transferred to D Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers after an action on the Somme in which almost all of his original company were killed, effectively wiping-out the unit. His Royal Scots Fusiliers service number was 43468. He was wounded in action several times but along with all of his eight brothers he came home safely.
His rank was Private throughout his service. His discharge documents show both of his service numbers and his military occupation at discharge as "Officer’s Servant" (Batman). His military commendation says "First-class shot". His Lt Col’s recommendation for employment says "Smart and Intelligent".
I'm his very proud grandson. I remember him well with much love as a gentle and wise counselor whose influence on me is as strong today as it ever was.
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